Vegas Golden Knights Look to the Future After Elimination
After being eliminated in the second round of the NHL playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers, the Vegas Golden Knights are already focused on planning their future. One of the most important topics is Jack Eichel’s contract situation.
Eichel, whose eight-year, $80 million contract has one season remaining, will be eligible for an extension starting July 1. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon emphasized the importance of securing Eichel’s continuity on the team.
He is one of the best players in the NHL. He has great character and leadership. We see what he does for our team night after night, so it will be a very important matter for us. We certainly hope to keep Jack in our organization. Jack loves being here, so I hope we can find common ground.
Kelly McCrimmon
Eichel, 28, is coming off the best season of his career, setting personal records with 66 assists and 94 points, in addition to 28 goals. The player expressed his pride in being part of the organization and his desire to focus on preparing for the upcoming season.
The Golden Knights’ management, known for its proactivity, will also need to make significant decisions about the team’s direction after being eliminated in the second round for the second consecutive year. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized that, although there are areas for improvement, he is satisfied with the current team.
McCrimmon shared a similar assessment, highlighting that the team was good enough to compete. The Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup two years ago, aimed to be contenders this season after securing the Pacific Division title and the second-best record in the Western Conference.
Despite the loss to the Oilers, Cassidy didn’t feel his team was at a disadvantage, but rather believes that execution in some games could have made the difference.
Although changes are expected, comments from Cassidy and McCrimmon suggest that the Golden Knights could keep their core players for next season.
Goaltender Adin Hill expressed his confidence in the management and their ability to make the right decisions for the team, with the goal of continuing to be contenders every year.
Forward Reilly Smith, who returned to the team after winning the Cup, expressed his desire to continue playing with the Golden Knights.
Smith had a successful transition back to the team, and emphasized that the best hockey of his career has been with the Golden Knights jersey.
